Nintendo Switch Online is actively expanding its collection of classic Nintendo 64 titles, with the most recent addition for Expansion Pack subscribers being the legendary fighting game, Killer Instinct Gold, originally launched in 1996 by Rare. While Western gamers can indulge in this nostalgic classic, those in Japan will find a different experience waiting for them.
Killer Instinct first burst onto the gaming scene in 1994, quickly becoming known as a strong rival to the well-established Mortal Kombat series. It captivated players in arcades before making a stunning transformation onto home consoles, debuting on the Super Nintendo. The franchise saw its sequel, Killer Instinct 2, grace arcade cabinets in 1996. This sequel, rebranded as Killer Instinct Gold for its Nintendo 64 release, introduced a host of innovations that revitalized the original concept.
Killer Instinct Gold stood out not only for its captivating gameplay but also for its distinct shift towards 3D backgrounds, while still retaining its iconic characters that had been meticulously crafted in 2D graphics. Players could engage with a cast that included both new contenders and fan favorites such as Sabrewulf, Riptor, Glacius, and Spinal. Although the game garnered enthusiastic praise upon its release, it heralded a lengthy break for the franchise, which wouldn’t resurface until its reboot in 2013 on Xbox platforms.
Players eager to dive back into the thrilling battles of 1996 can now find Killer Instinct Gold available to them on the Nintendo Switch, provided they have a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Meanwhile, those subscribed in Japan will experience Ridge Racer 64, which made its own mark earlier this year when it was released in Western territories back in January.
In addition to reintroducing Killer Instinct Gold, Nintendo has exciting plans for its next-generation console, the Switch 2, set to debut on June 5. This new console promises not only access to an extensive library of classic N64, NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Mega Drive titles but also a selection of beloved GameCube titles. Classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur 2, and F-Zero GX will join the lineup, ensuring a wealth of nostalgia for gamers new and old.
